I have not ridden for 15 years and am looking forward to getting back to cycling. I am waiting the arrival of a 2012 Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc at my LBS within the next day or two. The biggest factor in choosing this bicycle (I was able to luck into a discount) was the price point: $650.00/$707.00 with tax!!. I do believe that the retail price for the 2012 will be higher than the 2011 model that they originally ordered for me ($770 vs. $730) but that seems to be due to the fact that the 2012 has been upgraded. In either case, they are going to honor my original discounted price.

Chose the bike for several reason. Comfort. It didn't seem to put stress on my back, which is important given that my back ain't what it once was. It came highly recommended from several friends who are avid riders. Also liked the overall look and feel of the bike.

I do think, however, that I did fairly well on the price. $650 vs. $770 does help my overall investment back into the sport. That's an extra $120 towards accessories.

It does seem that, since they have ordered me the 2012 instead of the 2011, I'll be getting more bike for my money.

I like the Specialized Crosstrail Disc a lot, actually. Good bike for the money. Trek has some dual-sport bikes that are similar but IIRC nothing competes directly at that same price point. Your bike doesn't have quite the components of the Trek/Gary Fisher Utopia, but that bike is $799 SRP. Cannondale's Quick CX 3 is $775 and is pretty, but doesn't have any component advantage. (Specialized usually beats Cannondale on components in the same bike price range.) The other bike from the big 4 to consider is the Giant Roam 1, $620.

But this is academic. Like I said, I think you got a good bike for you and a good deal. Enjoy and welcome to the forums!